Pearl jewelry and momme weight
posted on 14 May 2011 | posted in
Fashion
Pearls, and the pearl jewelry that uses those pearls, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, are weighed using a very old, Japanese measurement. The weight measurement is referred to as momme weight. It is the preferred way for dealers and wholesalers to measure weight for both loose pearls and for strands of pearls. As the long time standard in the pearl industry, momme weight is easily understood among all pearl dealers.
One momme is equal to one one-thousandth of a kan, which is another traditional Japanese measurement which equals, roughly, 3.75 kilograms. This is approximately equal to 8.28 pounds. That makes one momme equal to 3.75 grams. It quickly became a worldwide standard through Japanese trade for goods such as pearl jewelry and silks.
Pearl jewelry that uses momme weight can easily be categorized and sorted for size and purity. Along with size of the pearl, momme weight helps determine the value of pearl jewelry.
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